We learned Friday that the Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, has decided to prohibit the holding of a symposium at the Convention Center, which belongs to the government. The reason: this symposium was organized by an association militant against abortion.
The minister, judging this intolerable, decided to ban the event.
I will say it in one word: this decision is authoritarian and scandalous.
Scandal
Let us understand ourselves: it is not a question here of being favorable or not to abortion. Like the vast majority of Quebecers, I have no wish to reopen this debate, and this symposium does not inspire me with any sympathy.
But the issue is not there.
The issue is freedom of expression.
The function of freedom of expression is not to defend consensual ideas, but to ensure the expression of disturbing ideas.
As far as I know, it is not forbidden to be pro-life in Quebec.
Therefore, those who want to commit themselves to this cause should not be subject to political-ideological discrimination or legal or administrative prohibition.
Even if we morally reject their commitment.
Could Caroline Proulx tell us on what criteria she will authorize or prohibit future events at the Convention Center? Or will it allow them from arbitrary preferences?
The Legault government’s response is cause for concern.
Events hosted at the Quebec City Convention Center, the Montreal Convention Center or the Olympic Park must, he says, “respect the fundamental principles of Quebec.” Who will establish them? Who will judge the compliance of a public event with these principles?
Discrimination
Are we aware that from now on, any government, movement, group or small group will be able to demand the banning of an event, on the pretext that it comes into contradiction with its vision of these “fundamental principles”?
The Legault government, an ally of cancel culture. I did not expect that. But it just happened.
Thanks to Caroline Proulx, authoritarian minister and enemy of freedom of expression.